In this sermon, preached by Chris Richards, several topics were discussed. The speaker began by sharing about a successful week hosting a summer program for kids, highlighting the impact of sharing the gospel with the youth. They then provided a recap of previous teachings in the "Inspired" series, emphasizing the importance of Scripture being spirit-inspired.
The focus of the current week's message centered on the transformational work of the Apostle Paul. The speaker highlighted Paul's journey from being Saul, a persecutor of Christians, to becoming a dedicated missionary and church planner. By examining Paul's life, the audience was urged to reflect on their own lives and identify whether they aligned with negative or positive characteristics.
The message also touched on the intense encounter between Paul and Jesus on the road to Damascus. The speaker discussed how personal encounters with God, scientific evidence, and philosophical reasoning all point to the reality of Jesus Christ. They emphasized the desire of Jesus to have a personal relationship with each individual and reminded the listeners of God's love and acceptance.
In this sermon, Jesus' question of why individuals ignore Him when seeking answers was examined. The speaker discussed how Saul, after being blinded and led to Damascus, stayed with a man named Judas and refrained from eating or drinking. They also explored the importance of Ananias obeying God's command to go and lay hands on Saul, ultimately helping him regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
The climax of the sermon focused on the decision that Paul made when encountering Jesus. Beyond the physical cure of his blindness, Paul's spiritual blindness to the person and mission of Jesus was cured. He acknowledged Jesus as Lord and immediately began proclaiming Him in the synagogues. The audience was challenged to make the same decision, considering if Jesus is worth following and surrendering to as Lord.
The speaker shared the story of John Newton, who wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace" after recognizing his need for a savior. The audience was invited to reflect on their own decision and engage in a communion reflection. Understanding and accepting Jesus' sacrifice for humanity were emphasized as essential elements in the Christian journey.
